Facts about Nutritional Support for Alzheimer Patients

December 11, 2007

Though proper nutrition will not cure Alzheimer’s disease, it is neverthe-less vital to the patient’s well-being and may help to prevent the onset of other complications including malnutrition and pneumonia. Caregivers should be aware that medications may interfere with the absorption or utilization of nutrients and, over prolonged periods of time, could lead to some nutritional deficiencies. The advice of a physician or pharmacist may be needed concerning possible drug/nutrient interactions.

We must also remember that although the patient is in a demented state, he or she may at times be perfectly lucid. The patient should always be treated with dignity, respect, and concern for individual self-worth.

A useful way to remember nutritional support for Alzheimer patients is “Mealtimes”:

M- Maintain a routine

E- Eat well-balanced meals

A- Alertness to any nutritional problems

L- Light and frequent meals

T- Teach the caregiver how to deal with the patient

I- Interactions between drugs and nutrients

M- Minimize confusion for the patient

E- Encourage patient to eat

S- Supplement the diet when necessary

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